Essential nutrient

Chapter 41 Animal Nutrition Outline I. An Animal’s Diet must Supply Chemical Energy, Organic Molecules, and Essential Nutrients A. Essential Nutrients 1. Essential Nutrients- materials an animal requires but cannot make 2. Four essential nutrients a) Essential Amino Acids- amino acid that must be obtained in a prefabricated form b) Essential Fatty Acids- an unsaturated fatty acid c) Vitamins- organic molecules required in very small amounts (Example: Vitamin C) d) Minerals- inorganic material required in small amounts (Example: Zinc) B. Dietary Deficiencies 1. Undernourishment- result of consistently consuming less than the required amount of calories for metabolism 2. Malnourishment- long-term absence from one or more essential nutrients C. Assessing Nutritional Needs